# Neuroinflammation and Neurogenesis in Schizophrenia

> **NIH NIH R01** · UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $358,063

## Abstract

Project Summary
The ability to generate immature neurons from neural stem cells is blunted in the brains of
people with schizophrenia compared to controls. In this grant, we will determine, at the
resolution of single cells, how the transcriptional profile of neurogenic cells is altered in
schizophrenia in order to identify at which stage neurogenesis is blocked. Bulk RNA
sequencing has identified that the most significantly changed transcript within the
neurogenic niche in people with schizophrenia is the general macrophage marker, CD163.
We will determine if macrophages in the neurogenic niche have the characteristics of
helpful or harmful immune cells, and if the type of macrophage varies either with diagnosis
(schizophrenia compared to controls) or based on the extent of local inflammation (high
compared to low cytokines). We aim to gather evidence to support or negate possible
monocyte migration routes across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We will determine if brain
macrophages have morphological features and molecular signatures consistent with
differentiation into microglial-like cells, and if this varies with diagnosis. Lastly, we will
determine if markers of adult neurogenesis are changed by inflammation and how glia
cells may be changed by inflammation and/or by the presence of increased macrophages.
By exploring the nature and transcriptomic state of different cell populations in the human
neurogenic niche, we can better develop strategies to restore neurogenesis in
schizophrenia and other neurological conditions, possibly through targeting macrophages.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10375000
- **Project number:** 1R01MH126108-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $358,063
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-20 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10375000

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10375000, Neuroinflammation and Neurogenesis in Schizophrenia (1R01MH126108-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10375000. Licensed CC0.

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